A Touching Special Olympics Story!

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are filled with many heartwarming stories of lives that have been enriched through the power of sport.

By Jess Bennett

One of these special moments just occurred in St. Albert, Alberta. A figure skater from Hamilton named Tim was given a special autograph book from his coach, filled with good luck wishes from his friends and other Special Olympics athletes back home. In the front of the book was a clipping from the Hamilton Spectator that featured Tim and his teammates who had qualified to travel to St. Albert, Alberta for the games.

This morning, Tim’s coach arrived at the rink with a Fedex package for him. Tim’s coach and his parents were bewildered about what could possibly be in the package and why Tim would be receiving it. When Tim opened the package, he discovered his special autograph book, along with a new entry at the end of the book.

As it turns out, Tim had left his book on the plane from Toronto to Edmonton, and an Air Canada mechanic later found the book in Montreal. The mechanic went the extra mile to ensure the precious item was returned to its rightful owner.

The 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games would not be possible without the huge contributions of the games organizing committee, countless volunteers, and friends and family who offer their support to the athletes. The story of Tim’s autograph and the kind mechanic at Air Canada illustrates that we can all make an impact on the lives of Special Olympics athletes.